Larry Harvey was arraigned today pursuant to his grand jury indictment on charges stemming from bomb threats made to various businesses, according to Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan.
Flanagan said that Mr. Harvey’s attorney entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecutor said that such a plea regarding insanity indicates that a person did not appreciate the criminal nature of their offense. Flanagan added that the Court appointed a psychological professional to interview and evaluate Mr. Harvey.
Flanagan said that Mr. Harvey’s history as a juvenile and adult will be looked at by an expert to determine the insanity issue. This includes his upbringing, mental health status and other external factors to determine whether an insanity defense is warranted.
Flanagan said that his office will also get the report by the expert and determine whether the State of Ohio needs to hire its own expert for further evaluation.
And finally, Flanagan explained why Judge Vavra didn’t set a trial date at the arraignment. The prosecutor clarified that a trial date will not be scheduled until all insanity issues are resolved. At that time, when all of the experts have weighed in, Judge Vavra will only then set a trial date, as needed, said Flanagan. Flanagan commented that insanity evaluations can take a while and are very detailed, and he does not expect a trial date being scheduled at least for another two months. Flanagan said that the judge ordered Mr. Harvey to remain in the Belmont County Jail pending any and all tests to determine insanity. This
